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The Children's Museum educational programs:

Our museum offers a safe, enjoyable, interactive learning environment with 3 floors of interactive exhibits, a 4th floor open four times a day, and eating space! Be among the educators who take advantage of the many educational field trip programs available at the Children's Museum. Kids love them and learn from them, and from the interactiveness of our 100's of accompanying educationally enjoyable hands-on exhibits. Our mission is to continue the passion for making the only Children's Museum in Central New York one of the best in the country.

What better place to bring...

• your students on a field trip?
• your scouts to earn a badge?
• your daycare children on an outing?
• your family for a great day out?
• your group for a meeting or a tour?

Educational Enrichment Programs we offer: a great supplement to your classroom or scout activities, with real museum artifacts and exhibits students can touch and interact with! The Museum is a hands-on learning center with emphasis on local history, environmental science, the arts, and space science. The Museum provides educational programs for local school groups, home school groups, scouts, and daycare centers throughout the three county area that we serve, as well as for groups who come in by bus and train from throughout the state. Our Educational Enrichment Programs enhance learning for children of all ages. Teachers and others who book educational field trips are given resource materials for their students to enhance learning after the visit.

Dinosaur and Fossil Programs

Dinosaurs & Fossils (Pre-Kindergarten-2nd grade) Learn about the "terrible lizard" that used to roam the earth. Using puppets & fossils, younger children learn about what dinosaurs did and ate, fossils, teeth, and eggs.

Dinosaurs & Fossils (3rd -6th grade) Older students explore fossils & dinosaurs in detail as well as learn how scientists pieced together clues about the "terrible lizard" from the past to distinguish them, extinction myths, and the Mesozoic era.

Archeological Dig (1st-3rd grade) Utilizing our Paleontological Activity Center, students will go on a dig for artifacts & fossils. They will learn the proper scientific procedure and the work involved in unlocking the mysteries of our past.

Living Science Programs - Animals

Where they go in the Snow (2nd-4th) Winter can be a harsh part of the year for our animal friends. Using puppetry, animal skins & shells, we discuss adaptations of animals in order to survive the winter cold & changing weather.

Making Tracks (Preschool-2nd grade) Studying animal tracks can generate an interest in nature as well as improve observation skills. Instructors present different animal tracks that children will identify and compare to one another.

Living Science Programs - Insects

Going On a Bug Hunt (Preschool-3rd grade) Insect puppets bring to life the amazing world of bugs, insects, and arachnids. Children learn & explore what the difference between the three are & how important each is to our world.

Going On a Bug Hunt (4th - 6th grade) In this program, children explore and learn how important insects, bugs, and arachnids are to our world, the ways scientists have discovered they help humans, & the importance of pollination to earth's population.

Dance of Honeybee (Preschool-4th grade) Culminating with a viewing of our active beehive, children learn the important role of the honeybee, gaining an understanding of the physical & social structure of the beehive and how honey actually gets made.

Music Appreciation Programs

Music on the Move I (Preschool & Nursery) Exercise and music combine to explore movement and rhythm in a fun and healthy way. Instructors will lead children in activities with music. Children play, interplay, dance and sing with tambourines, cymbals, etc.

Music on the Move II (1st - 3rd grades) Exercise and music combine to explore movement and rhythm in a fun and healthy way. Instructors will lead children in activities with music. Children play, interplay, dance and sing with tambourines, cymbals, etc.

Native American Indian Programs

Moccasins & Sneakers (Preschool-3rd grade) Younger students will be introduced to the Iroquois culture. By utilizing Museum artifacts, children will compare and contrast the lives of the Iroquois who lived in the area 100's of years ago, to their own lives.

Moccasins & Sneakers (4-6th grade) Older students will analyze Iroquois life with hands-on Museum artifacts such as tools, clothing & an exact replica of the Longhouse, with attention given to Native American legends & spirits & Iroquois belief system.

The Harvest Feast (Preschool-3rd grade) Through the use of artifacts, soft-sculpture food and music, children learn how the first Thanksgiving was celebrated, and explore types of food the Native Americans and English settlers did and didn't have.

The Harvest Feast (4th - 6th grade) How did the Thanksgiving celebration impact the history of our country? Through the use of artifacts, soft-sculpture food & music, children learn how early Native Americans helped the English settle NYS.

NYS History Programs

History's in the Bag (4th-6th grade) We learn about people from items they owned and used. Here, children analyze historical artifacts, and draw conclusions about the life and work of early CNY residents by what they left behind.

Erie Canal History (4th-6th grade) This program discusses the beginnings of Utica, how it was named, how the Erie Canal impacted life here and throughout the country, as well as folks from the Utica area who created some of our greatest legacies.

Intro to Geology of NYS (1st-6th grade) From volcanic islands to mile thick glaciers, NYS's landscape has been shaped by a variety of geologic forces. Students discover importance of rocks & how geologists use maps/tools to learn more about the earth.

Science Exploration Programs

All Wound Up (2nd-4th Grade) Students will learn about magnetism and build an electromagnet. They will explore properties of electromagnetism in a fun and informative environment.

Different Strokes (2nd - 4th Grade) Students will learn about permanent magnets and explore the properties of magnets and magnetic fields. They will learn how a simple nail can become a permanent magnet.

All Powered Up (4th - 5th Grade) How does an electric circuit work? What is the difference between an in series circuit and parallel circuit? Students will learn about electricity by building some simple electric circuits and compare the way they work.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub (Preschool - 3rd Grade) Principles of static electricity are explored in a fun and informative way. Students will use balloons to learn about attraction and repulsion and even make an electrometer.

Making Gluep (1st - 4th Grade) Can two liquids make a solid? Students will get make their own Gluep as they learn about changes in the state of matter. This is a gooey, fun learning experience.

Mighty Microscopes (3rd-6th Grade) Microscopes reveal a new view of common items. Have you ever seen salt and sugar crystals? Did you know every tiny seed is different? Students will explore these and more with microscopes.

Urban Wildlife - (3rd - 6th Grade) Children will learn that their backyards are home to many different wild animals. They will learn to identify these animals, and why the Utica Marsh & the environment are important?

Space Exploration Programs

Space Science Exploration (Preschool - 3rd Grade) In this program, the children learn about the 100 years of flight and why we explore space. Children will interact with our NASA and Office of Science exhibits and take a "ride" in our airplane!

Space Exploration (4th-6th Grade) In this program, children learn how space exploration helps Science and understand the connection between their everyday life and their future through space exploration, scientific discoveries, and the International Space Station. They will observe and interact with our NASA exhibits & artifacts, including Mars Rover/Lunar Lander/Space Shuttle/Rockets.

Mission MARS (1st-3rd Grade) In this program, students will learn about the status of the Mars Rover Spirit & Opportunity missions, and why we need to examine the sites on Mars. They will also help create an Imagine Mars mural.

Mission MARS (4th-6th Grade) See how scientists and engineers on Earth stretched their imaginations to design the best rover system to deal with unpredictable dangerous terrain on Mars, Earth's neighbor, a world much like our own, but much more hostile. They will also take part in a team mission.

Teamwork for a Future in Space (3rd-6th Grade) Youngsters will work in teams to design their own unique Space Patch in our new Mission Control Center. Not only will they learn the importance of teamwork, they will emulate what the NASA space teams do when they launch shuttles.

Toys in Space (4th-6th Grade) Would your toys work in zero gravity? NASA astronauts brought a series of toys on a shuttle mission to find out! Now you can do these physics experiments here on earth!

Living in Space (4th-6th Grade) What kind of training do NASA astronauts & Russian cosmonauts go through to live in space? What do you need to know for your 21st century travel, and why is that important for you to know today?

Weather Science Programs

Creating a Tornado (preschool-3rd grade) Students will learn about the formation of a tornado as they hear amazing tornado facts and see pictures of real tornadoes. During a science demonstration, they will experience firsthand how a tornado is formed.

Vortex in a Jar (preschool-3rd grade) As they learn important facts and view storm photos, students will learn what a vortex is and discover the role that it plays in tornado formation. In a hands-on experiment, students will participate in creating a vortex.

Making a Rainbow (preschool-3rd grade) Students will learn how a rainbow is formed and the order of colors in a rainbow. As a result of a hands-on science demonstration, they will observe a rainbow indoors!

The Magic of Clouds (preschool-3rd grade) Students will learn how clouds form and discover how different types of clouds help to predict weather. During a demonstration, students will observe cloud formation in a jar.

Wooly Bears & Weather Folks (3rd - 6th grade) Explore changing weather patterns using prediction techniques of today and yesterday in our Weather Station, & techniques used by local meteorologists and good old American lore.

REGISTER for programs via phone, email Director Marlene or complete our online form. One of the oldest Children's Museum's in the country, founded in 1963, we're the only Children's Museum in the country to have been adopted by both NASA & Dept. of Energy's Office of Science!

~ Check program pricing ~ Download Program flyer ~ View our directions ~

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Visit Activities (some programs have a fee for materials, most are included in admission fee):

DAILY ACTIVITIES AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

TOPICS/DAYS: Check out our Monthly Event Flyer on our New Stuff page.

Music Category:

• Musical Mayhem - a fun-filled class of music and movement. If you can sing, dance, play an instrument, jump or jam, you’ll enjoy these musical activities.
• Karaoke Kombos - if you enjoy karaoke, you can have a great time singing and dancing along to our karaoke machine & the many songs we've got available

Art Category:

• Crafty Creations - Love doing fun crafts projects? This class introduces you to a variety of cultural craft techniques you can give as a gift or keep for your room!
• Cultural Kettle - learn about other cultures through art! Make an exciting open-ended art project to go with the culture being spotlighted that week.
• Sculpture Pots – Using self-drying ceramic clay, children will learn how to construct a pinch pot and learn to create design methods such as incision and finger impression.

Reading Category:

• Puppet Theatre – Take part in enjoyable puppet plays and stories, helping act out the parts and join in the signing of the puppets! Featuring our new Dinosaur Puppet Stage
• Rotary Reading Room - Find out all the important things Rotary International's Service Organization does around the world and enjoy the "4 Way Test" audio & books.

Science Category:

• Science Explorers - girls and boys to explore the sciences through hands-on experimentation and scientific observation, using our science room computer programs.
• Space Place - Discover the secrets of the stars, moons, planets, and outer space in this fascinating exhibit. Learn how space travel has influenced what we do here on earth.
• Weather Phenomenon – Browse through our interactive weather web page, and view videos and DVD's on weather in our weather room!

Creating Category:

• Lego Challenge - parents or caregivers join children in teams to compete to develop the best working, best looking, most creative solution to the museum’s lego challenge.
• Science Fiction MadLib - use your imagination and have fun creating a science-fiction story you can take with you.

History Category:

• Dino Digs! - In our paleontoloy center, explore pre-historic life, learn about the mighty dinosaurs who roamed this earth for a million years, how paleontologists do fossil digs.
• Erie Canal - View and read and learn about the tremendous impact the Erie Canal made in our area in our Erie Canal Hall of Fame.
• Citizens & Voters Facts - View the voting machine used in the 2000 FL elections and test your knowledge of questions to become an American Citizen.

Space Category:

• Rocket Building – Parents and caregivers join children in building rockets they can take with them and enjoy learning to fly! Includes info on rocket structure and use.
• NASA exhibits - View our exciting 4th floor NASA exhibits, including the Mars Rover, Lunar Lander, Rockets, and Space Theatre.

Living Science Category:

• Cute Critters - Discover the mysterious life of honeybees and butterflies. Learn about how we care for and feed the various animals in our museum’s Living Science Center.

~ View our monthly program/event flyer ~ View our directions ~ Email us for more information ~

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Guidelines for School & Day-Care Groups

Welcome to the Children's Museum. Our diverse collection of hands-on exhibits and educational programs is an invaluable resource for school groups in the Central New York area and more than 150,000 visitors a year. Enjoy your visit! To ensure the health and safety of your students and all of our visitors, we ask that you review the following guidelines with students prior to your visit to CM. Supervision of students in the Museum is imperative; unsupervised students or children should not wander around the Museum.

Our guidelines are one (1) responsible adult chaperone for every six (6) students to make the most of your educational experience. This adult/student ratio is particularly important on the upper floors. General - Running is not permitted anywhere in the Children's Museum, nor is swinging on the curtains on our stage area. Portable radios, cassette, or disc players that are audible to other visitors in the Museum are not permitted. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times while in the Museum, except for children under 5 while they are in PlaySpace. For everyone's safety, do not pet or taunt animals in our Living Science Area. Thank you for reviewing these CM rules with students and chaperones. By observing these guidelines and supervising students, you are also helping to ensure the health and well-being of our ever-growing children's museum for present and future generations.

A Before-You-Visit Review Suggestion - Before you review this list of guidelines with your school group, ask your students to first list ways that the Children's Museum is different from a Park or Zoo. A partial list of rules for appropriate behavior and conduct may emerge from this discussion based on a student's experience and understanding of all that the Children's Museum has to offer. You can then review any remaining rules and guidelines on this sheet that have not been raised by your students.

Educational Materials - Teachers of groups that book programs are given educational handout materials for each of their students on the visit, for them to reinforce what's learned on the field trip.

Traveling by Bus - Buses should drop off students at our front entrance on Main Street, by the Museum Entrance sign. After students disembark, buses may park further down Main Street or in the Parking Lot across from the Museum. Signs for Children's Museum parking are fully visible.

Accessibility for Physically Challenged: We have a ramp right next to the Main entrance for wheelchairs and others who may have trouble navigating the few steps to the Museum's entrance. While we encourage groups to use our beautiful oak stairway to visit the upper floors, we do have an elevator that goes to all floors. Restrooms are available on the first floor. To pix* To top * To text

Food & Beverages & Museum Cafe':

Food, Snacks, Lunches - a place to eat. For safety reasons, food & beverages are not allowed anywhere on the floors or in our exhibit areas. Visitors may bring bag lunches or snack to eat in our 1st floor Birthday room, or on our 1st floor bench by our museum back door, or on the picnic table on our covered train platform outside our door, or (weather permitting) in our historic park outside. We have popcorn, snack bags (chips etc.), soda, juice, and water available for purchase. If our museum chef is on site, you can order in advance from our Museum Café ). You may also get your hand stamped and drive to a local restaurant (there are several within a mile) and return after lunch.

Catering in our Museum Kitchen - The Museum Cafe, where food may be purchased during the 12noon to 1pm time frame (provided the order is placed at the front desk by 11:30am), is located on the first floor of the Museum. If you are interested in having us cater your meal or provide a snack for you, please let us know prior to your visit so we may plan accordingly. Download Cafe Menu.

Catering in our Museum Café – Visitors who wish to do so may order food to be eaten in the 12pm-1pm time frame in the Museum Café located on our museum’s 1st floor - provided order is placed at the front desk by 11:30am. Salad & platters are not available for individual orders.

Group Catering – Groups of 25-30 who book in visits or programs may eat at our 1st floor Museum Café. Groups of over 30 who order from our menu may eat at special tables on our 3rd Floor. If you are interested in having us cater your meal or luncheon, please let us know a week prior to your visit so we may plan accordingly.

Following is our Museum Café Menu (pre-ordered):

• an 18" large rectangular plain pizza (sauce & cheese) - $15.
• a 9" half plain pizza (sauce & cheese) - $8.
• Salad (for 25 or less people) $35; Salad (for 25-45 people) $50.
• Vegetable platter $35. (for up to 25 people); $50. (up to 40 people)
• Fruit Platters $40. (for up to 25 people); $55. (up to 40 people)
• Popcorn $ .50 box or $1.00 bowl
• Ice Cream Cups $ .50
• Juice Jugs $ .75
• Canned Soda $1.00
• Bottled Water $ .75

Saturday's we host birthday parties, so 1st Floor Cafe/Birthday room may not be available. If this is the case, individuals may eat on the bench by our back door, or on the bench out by our train, or on the benches in our park.

However, we still can accomodate groups who book in visits or programs on Saturday's, and they may order ahead of time (at least 72 hours in advance) from the full menu.

General - Running is not permitted anywhere in the Children's Museum, nor is swinging on the curtains on our stage area. Portable radios, cassette, or disc players that are audible to other visitors in the Museum are not permitted. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times while in the Museum, except for the under 5 children while they are in PlaySpace. For everyone's safety, do not pet or taunt animals in our Living Science Area.

Museum Gift Shop

Gift Shop - Our CM Gift Shop is open daily with items priced from $1. to $20. and many at only $3. or $4. Among the gifts are space science related items, our Children's Museum mug and ornament, along with a neat variety of items.

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Meetings and/or Tours:

Welcome to the Children's Museum. Our diverse collection of hands-on exhibits and unique meeting space is an invaluable resource for groups. Book your meeting or visit today!

Accessibility for Physically Challenged: We have a ramp right next to the Main entrance for wheelchairs and others who may have trouble navigating the few steps to the Museum's entrance. While we encourage groups to use our beautiful oak stairway to visit the upper floors, we do have an elevator that goes to all floors. Restrooms are available on the first floor.

For more information, check out our Meetings page; call us at 315-724-6129, or email us so we can check to see if the dates you want are avilable.

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Normal Museum Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 9:45am to 3:45pm
Saturday - 10:00am to 4:00pm
Closed Wednesday & Sunday

Check our Online Calendar for special event & holiday schedule, renovation closings, etc.

Admission (at the door):
$9.00 per person
Members and children under 1 year of age Free
(during special event programs, members get a reduced rate)

Group Rates - Self Guided Visit & Tour of 4 floors Only (pre-booked):
$6.50 per person in groups of 25-49 (visit only, 1 chaperone free for every 6 paid)
$6.00 per person in groups of 50-74 (visit only, 1 chaperone free for every 6 paid)
$5.50 per person in groups of 75-99 (visit only, 1 chaperone free for every 6 paid)
$5.00 per person in groups of 100 or more (visit only, 1 chaperone free for every 6 paid)
(One teacher or adult chaperone is required for every six students, and will be admitted at no cost. Additional chaperones pay the visit rate. (you can combine classes to reach reduced numbers).

Group Rates - Visit or Tour plus Educational Program (pre-booked):

$8.50 per person in groups of 25-49 (visit & program, 1 chaperone free for every 6 paid)
$8.00 per person in groups of 50-74 (visit & program, 1 chaperone free for every 6 paid)
$7.50 per person in groups of 75-99 (visit & program, 1 chaperone free for every 6 paid)
$7.00 per person in groups of 100+ (visit & program, 1 chaperone free for every 6 paid)
(One teacher or adult chaperone is required for every six students, and will be admitted at no cost. Additional chaperones pay the visit rate. (you can combine classes to reach reduced numbers).

(Coupons not valid with group pricing) Daily activities and viewing of all four floors is included in the admission price, visit fee, and program fee.

Book your program today by calling 315-724-6129, or fill out our easy online form so we can check to see if the dates you want are avilable. (coupons not valid with group rates)

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Other Special programs offered:
Groovy Gardening - Plant your plants, help to care for them, and watch them grow, in our indoor urban garden project. Enjoy learning how to beautify your turf, no matter where.
Geology and Fossils - Learn how rocks become weathered and eroded through a simulation activity. Enjoy understanding how erosion, weathering, sand, and earth all impact on fossils.
Children's Museum Mural Project - Area children who are artiscally inclined may contact us to help create a science-eco mural depicting life in the air and under the sea, in our Animal Room, and a mural on the side of the Museum's 3rd floor walls depicting the various cultures that founded the area and have since located in the area. Through the process, children and families will experience the power of public art.

Keep checking the website, pick up flyers in the Museum, and continue to enjoy our fun and educational events in a safe learning environment! View the latest news on our New Stuff Page. And find out more on our About Us page.

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The Children's Museum of History, Living History, Science & Technology
311 Main Street, Utica, NY 13501
Tel: 315-724-6129 * Web: www.museum4kids.net

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